Overview

Peaks is a two-channel, general-purpose, trigger processor: it translates incoming triggers or gates into envelopes, synchronized periodic modulations (LFO and tap-LFO), or drum signals. Peaks can also be directly “played” thanks to its two trigger buttons. Our goal with this module is to give you many different ways of modulating your patches in as little space as possible!

Installation

Peaks is designed for Eurorack synthesizer systems and occupies 8 HP of space. It requires a -12V / +12V supply (2x5 connector), consuming 2mA from the -12V rail and 60mA from the +12V rail. The red stripe of the ribbon cable must be oriented on the same side as the “Red stripe” marking on the printed circuit board.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device meets the requirements of the following standards: EN55032, EN55103-2, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN62311.

For more details and advice related to electromagnetic compatibility issues, please refer to this page.

Overview and controls

Peaks is a multi-function module, but the general rule is that cool things happen whenever a trigger is received. Its four main functions are:

LFO with tap-tempo synchronization - the gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Note that Peaks can “learn” irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them.

Drum generator - the gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound.

Peaks provides two channels of processing - each of them has a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function - the exception being channel 1’s drum generator being a bass drum generator, and channel 2’s drum generator being a snare drum/hi-hat generator.

Both channels can be “synchronized” (aka twin mode), in that they both share the same front panel controls - for example in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2’s attack time. This can be used not only to create duophonic patches (for which you actually want both channels to behave similarly), but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with different phase shifts…

Another way of controlling the module is the split mode in which the potentiometers 1 and 2 control channel 1’s settings; and the potentiometers 3 and 4 control channel 2’s settings. This mode only gives access to the 2 most essential parameters of each function (for example attack and decay time for an envelope) - the other parameters being set to default “neutral” settings.

Finally, if breaking the one knob per function rule is not a taboo for you, an expert mode allows individual control of channel 1 and 2.

Controls, inputs and outputs

The split button toggles between the twin (LED off) and split (LED on) modes. Hold it for a second to enter the expert mode. In this mode, the button toggles between channel 1 and 2. Hold it for a second to get back to normal operation.

The FUNCTION button cycles through the 4 main functions.

The 4 potentiometers modify the settings for the selected function. Please refer to the tables in the next section.

TRIG 1&2 are channel 1 and 2’s trigger inputs. The trigger threshold is 0.7V. Above each of these inputs is a switch that can be pressed to generate a trigger signal. The LED built into the switch shows the variations of the output signal.

Finally, OUT 1&2 are channel 1 and 2’s outputs.

Parameters

ENV function, twin & expert:

Ch. 1&2 Attack

Ch. 1&2 Decay

Ch. 1&2 Sustain

Ch. 1&2 Release

ENV function, split: Dual A/D envelope generator

Ch. 1 Attack

Ch. 1 Decay

Ch. 2 Attack

Ch. 2 Decay

LFO function, twin & expert:

Ch. 1&2 Frequency

Ch. 1&2 Waveform (sine, linear slope, square, steps, random)

Ch. 1&2 Waveform variation (wavefolder for sine; ascending/triangle/descending balance for slope, pulse-width for square, number of steps, and interpolation method)

Ch. 1&2 Phase on restart

LFO function, split:

Ch. 1 Frequency

Ch. 1 Waveform

Ch. 2 Frequency

Ch. 2 Waveform

TAP function, twin & expert:

Ch. 1&2 Amplitude

Ch. 1&2 Waveform

Ch. 1&2 Waveform variation

Ch. 1&2 Phase on restart

TAP function, split:

Ch. 1 Waveform

Ch. 1 Waveform variation

Ch. 2 Waveform

Ch. 2 Waveform variation

DRUM function, twin & expert:

Ch. 1&2 Base frequency

Ch. 1&2 Frequency modulation (“Punch” for BD, “Tone” for SD)

Ch. 1&2 High-frequency content (“Tone” for BD, “Snappy” for SD)

Ch. 1&2 Decay

DRUM function, split: The original 808 sweet spot!

Ch. 1 BD Tone

Ch. 1 BD Decay

Ch. 2 SD Tone

Ch. 2 SD Snappy

For advanced users only

Four more things

Hold the FUNCTION button for one second (it starts blinking). Peaks now provides four alternative functions instead of envelope/LFO/tap LFO/drum generation. These functions are:

Ch. 1&2 FM and AM envelope decay time (the FM envelope has a shorter decay than the AM envelope, but the two values are tied to this parameter)

Ch. 1&2 Color. At 12 o’clock, no modification is brought to the oscillator signal. Turn right to increase the amount of noise (for snares). Turn left to increase the amount of distortion (for 909 style kicks).

Alternative DRUM function, split:

Ch. 1 BD presets morphing

Ch. 1 BD presets variations

Ch. 2 SD presets morphing

Ch. 2 SD presets variations

Firmware update procedure

Connect the output of your audio interface/sound card to the TRIG1 input. Power on your modular system with Peaks’ TRIG1 button pressed. The split, TRIG1, and TRIG2 LEDs will blink.

Make sure that no additional sound (such as email notification sounds, background music etc.) from your computer will be played during the procedure. Make sure that your speakers/monitors are not connected to your audio interface - the noises emitted during the procedure are aggressive and can harm your hearing. On non-studio audio equipment (for example the line output from a Desktop computer), you might have to turn up the gain to the maximum.

When you are all set, play the firmware update file into the module. The LEDs show a cyclic pattern and periodically flash upon receiving a valid block of data. The unit reboots after the last packet has been received.

In case the signal level is too weak or too high, the procedure will stop and the LEDs will blink alternatively. Press the TRIG1 button and retry from the start of the update file.

Warranty

This product is covered by Mutable Instruments’ warranty, for one year following the date of manufacture. This warranty covers any defect in the manufacturing of this product. This warranty does not cover any damage or malfunction caused by incorrect use - such as, but not limited to, power cables connected backwards, excessive voltage levels, or exposure to extreme temperature or moisture levels.

The warranty covers replacement or repair, as decided by Mutable Instruments. Please contact our customer service (support@mutable-instruments.net) for a return authorization before sending the module. The cost of sending a module back for servicing is paid for by the customer.

Mutable Instruments encourages modding and hacking, but we will not service modified units or provide any assistance in the realization of mods.